A lot of us, while craving understanding, are nonetheless unwilling to do major self-analysis in full view of the world. It's just too intimidating to (figuratively) stand up naked in public and explore what we're feeling or not feeling and why we think that may or may not be so. We're too fragile for that, too afraid of letting other people near those dark alleys. Watching someone else do it is a stunning experience. It seems to create some sort of emotional bond that you probably didn't intend to create or invite - a sense of, 'he has problems, I have problems, they may be quite different problems but here's someone who just might be able to understand what I'm saying.' The effect must be intensified for those who are your personal friends.

I'd be surprised if they *didn't* choose you to confide in, but I understand how weird it must feel from your side. It can be disconcerting to realize that there's a huge gulf between self-perception and the way others perceive you. Something vaguely similar has happened to me once or twice with a certain friend, and I've found myself thinking, "Why on earth are you asking me? I'm waaaay more screwed up than you are!"